Holidaymakers planning a trip from Bristol airport to paradise post-lockdown can now add the stunning island of Sicily to their shortlist.
With uncertainties about whether or not Brits will be able to holiday abroad this summer, many people will be settling for a UK break again this year and postponing their travels further afield.
As passengers look ahead, Bristol International Airport has now announced that Jet2 will be starting flights from Bristol to Sicily next year.
The airport's chief executive Dave Lees said: “We are delighted that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have added a new Sicilian route, Catania to the route network available from Bristol Airport from summer 2022.
"This offers customers living in the South West and Wales a wider range of destination choices.
"The new services to Sicily demonstrate the important role regional airports continue to play in offering choice and connectivity and the added convenience for customers of flying from their local airport, removing the need of unnecessary journey times and carbon footprint travelling to alternative airports."
It is among 36 destinations Jet2 is now planning to serve from its Bristol base during summer 2022.
According to the airport's destination list, flights from Bristol already serve seven other Italian destinations - Milan, Naples, Pisa, Rome, Turin, Venice and Verona.
Flights to Catania, the ancient port city on Sicily's east coast, will commence on May 3, 2022.
They will run during the summer season and through to October 25.
The island is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and home to Mount Etna, stunning beaches as well as vibrant culture and cuisine.
'Great deal of demand'
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: "We are continuing to see a great deal of demand for Summer 22 from Bristol Airport, so we are adding Sicily to our programme to give customers and independent travel agents even more choice.
"This stunning Italian island offers local holidaymakers everything from culture and history to sun and glamour, and we are going on sale with a fantastic choice of flights, resorts and hotels."
The budget airline announced its new Bristol hub in November and he said they have been "absolutely delighted" with the response so far.
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